Getting ready for the holiday shopping season? We’re going to suggest something new and different, particularly if you’re here in California.

Spot-on buddy Joe Rodota (yeah, he does politics, too) has a cute little site that talks about the state’s artists, galleries and shows, auctions and – of course! – prices. It’s a great example of how someone with a strong interest in a topic can step in where local newspapers aren’t doing that great a job and guide others. So it’s today’s HotSpot.